Testing dextromethorphan for treating OCD and related disorders
Fluoxetine/Dextromethorphan in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: an Open-Label Crossover Pilot Study
This study is testing if adding a common cough medicine called dextromethorphan to the usual OCD treatment can help people with OCD and similar disorders feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04899687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness and tolerability of dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter cough suppressant, when combined with fluoxetine, a standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD), and somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Participants diagnosed with these conditions will receive the treatment to assess symptom relief. The study aims to address the inadequacies of current treatments for these psychiatric conditions, which significantly impact mental health and daily functioning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with OCD, BDD, IAD, or SSD who reside in California and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or severe substance use disorders, as well as pregnant or nursing women, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for patients suffering from OCD and related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of dextromethorphan in this context is novel, other studies have explored various treatments for OCD and related disorders, indicating potential for success with innovative approaches.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD) or somatic symptom disorder (SSD) * Living within California * Capacity to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder * Active moderate or severe substance use disorder, lifetime severe substance use disorder * Pregnant or nursing women * Use of prescribed psychotropic medications other than fluoxetine for 2 weeks prior to study start * Having commenced OCD-targeted exposure and response-prevention (ExRP) psychotherapy within 2 months of study start
Where this trial is running
Stanford, California
- Stanford University — Stanford, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peter J van Roessel, MD PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Pavithra Mukunda, MS
- Email: ocdresearch@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650 497 2578
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.